“In seed starting, which plant benefits the most by having a grow mat under it?” Question from Tim of Burton, Ohio

Answer: Some seeds need supplemental heat for germination, and these are almost always seeds for warm-season crops that naturally sprout when the outdoor temperatures heat up. Summer flowers, like cleome, cosmos, coreopsis, gomphrena, marigolds, salvias, and sunflowers, sprout better and grow faster with added heat. When it comes to herbs and vegetables, think of anything that thrives during the warmest times of the season–basil, corn, eggplant, okra, peppers, rosemary, and tomatoes all germinate and grow best with bottom heat.

Click here for a related article: BOTTOM HEAT FOR HAPPY HEIRLOOM SEED STARTING

Happy gardening,

Jessie Keith

Black Gold Horticulturist